Cracking Down on Scam Calls, Progress on Opioids, and More
Last week was packed-full of activity as the House worked to finish its work during the last week in DC before the November 6 election. On the legislative front, a bipartisan bill I introduced to help small businesses access federal contracts was voted on and passed the House. I also joined several colleagues to introduce bicameral and bipartisan legislation to help the victims of human trafficking. And I introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure the United States fully considers the national security implications of a Saudi nuclear technology transfer.
Separately, I was pleased to vote for a bipartisan package to address the opioid epidemic ravaging communities across our country. The bill will expand access to treatment and recovery services, develop non-opioid alternatives for pain treatment, improve interception of illegal opioids at mail facilities, and combat the rise of fentanyl. We have more to do, but this bipartisan package is a good start.
Please continue reading for information on a new bill I introduced to help prevent irritating scam calls, a readout of our first ever "Tenth District Day" with local elected officials, and three opportunities to meet in person this week in Northbrook, Waukegan, and Highwood.
CRACKDOWN ON PHONE SCAMMERS
Annoyed by constant scam calls? You're not alone. These calls are more than just an annoyance, and because scammers have the ability to impersonate local numbers, the risk of dangerous fraud is getting worse, especially for seniors.
Last week, I introduced the Discourage Dishonest Dialing Act to shift the power back to customers by making it easier to recognize and ignore these bothersome interruptions. Since many telephone scammers use technology to modify what phone numbers appear on caller ID to impersonate a local number, the Discourage Dishonest Dialing Act, would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish rules for alerting telephone subscribers when caller identification information cannot be confirmed. Making consumers aware when a "neighbor spoofing" call is inbound gives customers the power to ignore these intrusions and discourage their use by scam artists. Hopefully cracking down on unethical scammers and pushy telemarketers is something even this divided Congress can agree on.
Learn more about the Discourage Dishonest Dialing Act?
CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITIES WITH FEDERAL GRANTS
On Friday, I hosted local elected officials for the inaugural "Tenth District Day." This program provided the chance to meet with federal agencies including HHS, FEMA, SBA, EDA, DOT, and HUD to discuss resources and services available for our local communities.
Our office is here to be a resource and advocate for our local communities at the federal level. This year alone, communities and organizations throughout the Tenth District have been awarded more than $42 million in competitive federal grants. I was glad to organize the one day program to help our local officials better understand how to pursue even more opportunities. I look forward to hopefully having even more local leaders join us next year.
Learn more about Tenth District Day on our website.
THREE OPPORTUNITIES TO MEET IN PERSON THIS WEEK: NEIGHBORHOOD OFFICE HOURS & CONGRESS ON YOUR CORNER
On Wednesday and Thursday, I'll be participating in our Neighborhood Office Hours with our constituent service representatives in Waukegan and Northbrook. This is an opportunity to meet one on one to hear about the issues that matter to you and your family, or to meet with a caseworker from our office about an issue with a federal agency.
Then, on Saturday, I'll be hosting our next Congress on Your Corner town hall at the Highwood Public Library – the 28th we've held so far this term. I look forward to seeing you there and answering your questions!
CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE DEADLINE APPROACHING – OCTOBER 15
The Congressional App Challenge national contest encourages middle and high school students to learn science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills by coding their own app for any digital device.
The Challenge is open to all middle and high school students who live or attend school in the Tenth District, regardless of skill level. Students can choose to participate individually or as part of a team of up to 4 students, as long as two of the team members meet eligibility requirements.
To enter, participants must upload a video showcasing their app and an explanation of what they learned throughout the app-making process.
App submissions will be accepted through Noon EST, Monday, October 15, 2018. Try to register before September 10, 2018 (registration indicates your intent to compete). Early registration significantly increases the chances for a successful challenge. Early registration does not obligate you to submit an app.
I can't wait to see what you create!
More information is available on our website.
WE'RE STILL WELCOMING PARTICIPANTS IN BRAD'S BOOKWORMS ELEMENTARY READING PROGRAM
We're excited to be in the middle of our second year of "Brad's Bookworms," a challenge to encourage elementary age reading in K-5 students.
Children participating in the program are asked to read and log 10 books with help from parents, grandparents, older siblings, or other family members between June 21 and November 30, 2018, and track their progress toward this goal. Young people who meet the 10 books goal will be invited with their families to a recognition ceremony with Congressman Schneider in December 2018 to celebrate their achievement.
Learn more about Brad's Bookworms on our website.
WEEKLY WRAP-UP
I had fun visiting with the students at Big Hollow Elementary in Ingleside this morning!
Thank you Gregg's Landing in Vernon Hills for inviting me to join your homeowner association meet and greet to hear from constituents on Sunday evening.
Thanks for reading!